Obituaries

Roxanne Linda (Smither) Kassel, age 77, of Brimley, Michigan, died on December 26, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on July 10, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to Elmer and Mary (Larkin) Smither.

Roxanne grew up in Redford Township, Michigan, and graduated from Redford Union Schools. After graduation she worked as a secretary at Francis Waller Claims Service. She met her husband Roy Thomas Kassel through family, and they married on October 26, 1968. In 1973, she settled in Brimley. She was a secretary for Jewel Home Shopping Service. Roxanne helped run Bay Video for several years during the 80’s and she also worked at the Best Western and the Hampton Inn as the Breakfast Hostess for many years. After her retirement, you could find her spending time with her grandchildren and babysitting them.

Roxanne was a member of the Dafter Presbyterian Church where she cherished her church family.

Roxanne enjoyed sitting on her back deck in the summer, flower gardening, and fishing. She enjoyed playing cards with family and making a quilt now and then. She was a fantastic cook and would have the family over for dinner once a week. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she would be in the kitchen baking cookies for days.

Roxanne is survived by her husband, Roy; children, Kimberly Thompson and Daniel (Raven) Kassel; grandchildren, Tyler, Shaylee, Trae, Malloreigh, Santiago; great-granddaughter, Dahlia; brothers-in-law, “Dick” Starr, Thomas Perhai; and sister-in-law, Joan Matties.

Roxanne was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary; in-laws, Arthur and Florence (Gutzke) Kassel; brothers, Robert (Grace) Smither; "Bud" (Loreli) Lawrence, and Billy Smither; sisters, Donna (Carl) Simon, Kate Perhai and Jeanne Starr; brothers-in-law, Ralph Matties, Raymond (Judy) Kassel, Robert (Maryann), Donald (Gladys), Richard (Alexa) Kassel, sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Ralph) Spivey and Gert (Richard) Edwards and infant, Marlene Kassel.

Roxanne’s final resting place will be Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, in Bruce Township, Michigan at a later date.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.